LOYAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'loyal' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant , faithful , resolute , staunch , and steadfast . While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray. // remained loyal to the czar

Q: When is 'constant' a more appropriate choice than 'loyal'?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows. // constant friends

Q: When can 'faithful' be used instead of 'loyal'?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted. // faithful to her promise

Q: When would 'resolute' be a good substitute for 'loyal'?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose. // a resolute ally

Q: When is it sensible to use 'staunch' instead of 'loyal'?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it. // a staunch defender of free speech

Q: Where would 'steadfast' be a reasonable alternative to 'loyal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal , steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction. // steadfast in their support

loyal

adjective

ˈlȯi(-ə)l

Definition of loyal next

as in steadfast

firm in one's allegiance to someone or something we remain loyal to the ideals for which this organization stands

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of loyal Residents who operated landscaping and day-care businesses; owners of the longtime dive bar the Rancho; staffers at Pizza of Venice, where loyal customers were regulars. —

Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Populist discourse recognizes neither the real diversity of interests in a political community nor the possibility of a loyal opposition. —

Ronald R. Krebs, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025 Engaging with customers through social media, in-store promotions or surveys builds a loyal following and strengthens your brand’s presence. —

Joel Goldstein, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 The trackpad won out long ago, but Lenovo kept the TrackPoint around for its loyal fans. —

Allison Johnson, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for loyal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal

Adjective

As those factors emerged, NBA front-office sources remained steadfast that Flagg was the No. 1 pick.

— Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
In contrast, Pence, speaking at an educational forum in Taipei, expressed his belief that the United States should remain steadfast in its commitments.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025